Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, produced by certain plants as part of their defense system against disease and infection. Absorption of resveratrol at the cellular level stimulates the production of SIRT1 enzyme which in turn generates more mitochondria in muscle, other body tissues, and also increases the body’s energy reserve.
Resveratrol strongly inhibits lipid peroxidation (in particular the oxidation of LDLs) and lipid peroxidation induced cell death. LDLs oxidation is considered to be the main mechanism responsible for coronary and peripheral arterial disease.1 A research study conducted at Harvard Medical School shows that resveratrol fed to mice exhibited increased life span, improved motor skills, increased energy, and diminished incident of diabetes and heart disease.
In general, the beneficial cardiovascular effects of resveratrol are mainly derived from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which preserve vascular and cardiac function and retard atherosclerosis during the aging process.